May art preview: A sudden shower of options

A gallery talk May 22 by glass artist Judith Schaechter is among the highlights of May’s contemporary art calendar. Pictured above, the Philadelphia artist’s “My One Desire” is part of the Renwick Gallery exhibition “History in the Making: Renwick Craft Invitational 2011.” (Collection of Todd Alios VonBastiaans/ Photo by Dominic Episcopo)

The weekend of May 13 gets things underway with a cloudburst of gallery openings at Flashpoint, Conner Contemporary and the Fridge. First up: “Old Fashioned New Media,”opening that Friday at Flashpoint with work by Andy Holtin, Chandi Kelly, Jamie O’Shea and Christine Buckton Tillman. The theme is man, nature and machines (both old and new).

On May 14, Conner hosts an opening reception for a series of three solo shows spotlighting the work of photographer Jeremy Kost, sculptor Joe Ovelman and video artist Geoffrey Aldridge. While you’re there, don’t miss special installations by Patrick McDonough and Jeremy Flick as part of Conner’s emerging-artist sideline, GoGo Art Projects.

That same evening, the Fridge will flip the switch on “Cold Light Bioluminescent Evolution.” True to its trippy name, the show features work that incorporates fluorescent paint, ultraviolet light and fiber optics. Bring your own glow sticks.

The Washington Glass School celebrates a major milestone this month. On May 19, Long View Gallery hosts the kick-off party for “Washington Glass School: The First Ten Years.” Among the works by more than 20 contemporary glass artists in this anniversary showcase are pieces by WSG founders Tim Tate, Michael Janis and Erwin Timmers.

One gallery marks a birthday; another celebrates a birth. On May 20, the area makes room for a new addition to its family of art spaces: Georgetown’s Heiner Contemporary, which debuts with an exhibition of paintings by Brooklyn-based Elizabeth Huey.

Afer the whirl of art parties, you may want to wind down the month with something a little more sedate. Or maybe sedate isn’t the best word. On the afternoon of May 22, Judith Schaechter will give a free talk at the Renwick Gallery about her dark and occasionally disturbing — but frankly gorgeous — lightbox-mounted glass windows.